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16 ADVOCATE | SUMMER 2016 Around AEA AEA Members and Friends Honored at Annual Salute to Excellence Awards Luncheon T he Arizona Education Association (AEA) and the AEA Foundation for Teaching & Learning recognized several AEA members and friends for their accomplishments at the AEA Foundation for Teaching & Learning's annual Salute to Excellence Awards luncheon, which was held on May 7, 2016, at Scottsdale Resort at McCormick Ranch. "Sometimes we take the excellence and dedication we see in our colleagues for granted," says AEA President Andrew F. Morrill. "We just assume they know how important they are. AEA's awards program is a way to remind ourselves – and our honorees – how valuable they are and the work they do. We want these people to know without a doubt that we see what they've done and appreciate it. We want to encourage them to continue their good work and to remind ourselves of the nobility and importance of our own efforts on behalf Arizona's students and our profession." Congratulations to the following organizations and AEA members honored at the 2016 Salute to Excellence Awards: 2016 The AEA Foundation for Teaching & Learning was created in 1997 to advance public education in Arizona. it started with only $3,000 designated for student scholarships. Today, the Foundation has generated over $1 million in income and has awarded more than $900,000 throughout Arizona. The AEA Foundation is proud to offer a variety of program funds dedicated to developing the teaching profession; supporting student achievement; encouraging the appreciation for the arts; enriching classroom academics; developing professional leadership; and inspiring innovations in learning. Learn more about the grants and awards offered by the AEA Foundation at www.arizonaea.org/grants. Thomas R. Brown Athletics Grant This grant was developed in response to the pressure put on public schools to scale back on athletic programs due to shrinking state education budgets combined with the increasing demands to achieve higher academic results. Chandler Education Association member Brett Huston, Casteel High School Anthony Marchese, North Canyon High School and sponsored by Paradise Valley Education Association member, Erin Dyer